Host preference and zoonotic potential of Chlamydia psittaci and C. gallinacea in poultry

• DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv005
• Publication Date: 2015-02-06T20:33:00Z
• Authors: Virginie Hulin; Sabrina Oger; Fabien Vorimore; Rachid Aaziz; Bertille de Barbe...; Jacques Berruchon; Konrad Sachse; Karine Laroucau
• Keywords: Chlamydia psittaci; Flock; Psittacosis; Chlamydophila

Chlamydia psittaci and C. gallinacea are obligate intracellular bacteria infecting poultry. We conducted a survey in two poultry slaughterhouses that were processing either exclusively ducks (A) or various species except (B). Cloacal swabs collected from all incoming flocks the course of week, blood samples pharyngeal taken workers. Swabs examined using PCR sera analyzed with immunoassays. testing revealed presence 9/38 duck complete absence these (slaughterhouse A), whereas 16/33 Chlamydiaceae-positive handled slaughterhouse B harbored only. In an episode psittacosis A, where one PCR-positive worker presented clinical signs, seroconversions detected 10 contrast, serological responses workers to generally low. This is line almost flocks, additional sampling campaigns agent was only once year. Our study indicates has certain preference for ducks, predominant chlamydial chickens guinea fowl flocks.